The Duck Inn's fried cheese curds were done respectfully, in a way that didn't fundamentally alter the bar-food personality of the food, but that definitely made them just about as good as is humanly possible.

The classic tomato sandwich is slices of tomato with salt and mayo on bread. As I was making a tomato sandwich the other day, I wondered if, perhaps, I could improve the sandwich by salting the mayo instead of the tomato.That was the beginning of the trials.

The Corn Stripper looks a little like a Gillette Trac II, and the idea is that you "shave" the kernels off the cob with a blade that's slightly curved to match the contours of the cob. This approach seemed attractive in that cutting kernels off with a knife is kind of sloppy. The Corn Stripper also comes with a brush on one side to "de-silk" the cob.

Sage requires very little attention (in the past, ours has gone for weeks without watering), and you will be surprised how much a few fried leaves can improve a plate of pasta or eggs. It might even improve your memory.

The Village of Riverside will be accepting sealed bids for Sewer Main Cleaning and Televising Services of Selborne Road and Parkway Road. Bids will be accepted at the Department of Public Works, 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546 until...